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Seen Transformers? What Did You Think?

by Alex Billington
July 3, 2007

It's finally here! 21 years in the making and all your childhood dreams are lived out in full-on live action mayhem. Michael Bay has brought us Transformers and it's time to see if they're everything they're cracked up to be. Will Optimus Prime and Megatron rule the summer screens? Was it everything you wanted to be and more, or everything you didn't want it to be and worse? Was it the best action movie of the year or just another Michael Bay flop?

Just drop by, leave a comment, and create some discussion! To fuel the fire, this is my favorite movie of the summer, maybe even of the year. It's everything Michael Bay has done right in his previous movies combined into one incredible action-filled blockbuster; he really was born to make this! Transformers beats out every other action movie this year so far, it even edges out 300 just by a little bit. The characters and the story were fantastic even for a movie based around explosions, and the CGI has never been this good nor will it be this good again for years. Transformers is everything it should've been and much, much more!

Past Reaction Articles:

Spider-Man 3 (54 Comments)
Shrek 3 (11 Comments)
Pirates of the Caribbean 3 (73 Comments)
Knocked Up (7 Comments)
Ocean's Thirteen (5 Comments)
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (14 Comments)
Live Free or Die Hard (7 Comments)

Explore tags: Discussion, Hype, Sound Off

Max

This movie was what I expected and more. Of course I feel some things could have been better, but this will probobly reign as the best movie of the year, at least in my book.
ChrisTOPHer

Saw it last night, thought it was great! Some cheesy scenes but Shia and John Turturro were excellent! Transformers look amazing on screen, I remember seeing the cartoon movie when I was 4 and loving it, am glad they made this a live action one.
Ethan

I totally loved it. The audience reaction was amazing too. This was my first midnight/preview showing ever and I need to go to every one from now on.
Carson

This was great! I saw it Monday ay 8 and it kicked ass! I knew it would be great, Frenzy really stepped it up from what I thought he was, but the other Decepticons never really spoke( besides Megatron) and that's was the only down part to me. So over all I was very pleased with it, it went above my expectations.And the fight scenes were a little cramped. They obviously left it open ended for another! Hopefully Galvatron reigns supreme in the next one.
Juice

I really liked it. I am glad that it's a little long cause you get more story. It brought me back to my childhood days and made me smile!! It also made me really want a Camero!
Stephen

Saw it last night at 8. All the years of waiting was worth it! It was everything I wanted it to be and more. CGI was amazing, best I have ever seen, great action, it was funny, good story. Can't wait to see it again.
http://entertainmentmusings.wordpress.com Flutie

I set the bar really high for the first go round on this one, and was disappointed (only slightly). It seemed like I had already seen most of the stuff they did. Still, the Bumblebee reveal as a new Camaro was awesome, and the humor at the beginning was great. I thought the Qatar stuff was a little cumbersome, but all-in-all a great blockbuster....I'll see it at least one more time...
Tim Monforton

Saw a preview screening at 8 last night (first time I've ever gone to one of these, and I was pleasantly surprised that the tickets were cheaper than normal). This movie was so much fun! Well it certainly wasn't perfect, this is undoubtedly the best action movie I've seen all year. It was better than '300', better than 'Spider-Man 3', better than 'Pirates 3'. I loved the action and the scenes with the Transformers. All the robot voices perfectely fit the characters. Peter Cullen was great (as always) as Optimus Prime, and Hugo Weaving was absolutely perfect as Megatron. Now the stuff I didn't like: Although most of the humor did work (in my opinion), I found a few moments just grating (the masturbation joke, Bumblebee "urinating" on John Turturro, most of the stuff with Anthony Anderson's character). Also, the Decepticons did not get enough screentime; in particular, I think that Bonecrusher (the mine-sweeper truck) was way underused. I also wanted to see more of Starscream. All in all, a great summer movie. Bring on 'Transformers 2'!
Mark

Not as impressed as I thought'd I'd be, and I can't figure out why. If I go through the checklist, action, humor, acting, a HOT costar, it's all there. But the movie just didn't hit me as incredible. I wish I knew why.
Ryan

I must say I absolutley enjoyed Transformers, 3 1/2. Anyway here is my review for it: In the summer of 2007, Transformers, is by far the most fun you will find on the big screen and probably for the rest of the year. Since the comic debuted in 1984 along with the Hasboro toys, Transformers have been on every product imaginable, along with an animated TV series and movie in 1984 and 1986. Now the ‘robots in disguise’ come back to the cinemas but this time in live action. For those unaware, Transformers are robots that can transform into different configurations. There are two types of Transformers. Type a) Autobots. Type b) Decepticons. Autobots are righteous in protecting, not harming anything unless they pose a threat. Lead by the noble Optimus Prime (voiced by Peter Cullen), they are here to protect. Meanwhile Decepticons are evil and devious lead by Megatron (voiced by Hugo Weaving), destroying everything in sight. The film begins with a narration on how the two used to live together on the planet Cybertron until war broke out over the Allspark, a cube that gives the Transformers their power. The Autobots hid the cube in the Artic circle on Earth around 1850. However power-crazed Megatron goes after it but crash lands being frozen in the ice. He is later found by Captain Archibald Witwicky (William Morgan Sheppard) by accident while his crew was exploring and unnoticing, Megatron engraves the location of the Allspark on the captain’s glasses. It is now present day and we are introduced to the less-than-popular high-schooler, Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), a descendant of Archibald. Sam is a normal kid who has a crush on the popular Mikaela Banes (Megan Fox). Sam is selling Archibald’s things, including his glasses, on Ebay so he can buy his first car. However with the $4000 he has to buy a car, he picks the mustard-colored 1977 Camaro, soon discovering it is just more than a Camaro but the Autobot Bumblebee (voiced by Mark Ryan). By coincidence Mikaela is there at the time, so she is in for the ride as well. The second–storyline starts with a military base in the Middle East, focusing on soldiers, Sergeant Lennox (Josh Duhamel) and USAF Tech Sergeant Epps (Tyrese Gibson). The base is the first thing attacked by the Decepticons, stealing military information, leaving the few surviving left out in the desert. The third-storyline takes place in Washington with Defense Secretary John Keller (Jon Voight), scrambling trying to find out who the hackers are and how they hacked into the frame-base. With supporting roles played Rachael Taylor and Anthony Anderson (hackers that figure out what is going on), and John Turturro (Agent for a secret military operation). Loud-noise, comedy and extraordinary battle-royales, Transformers perfectly embodies what Transformers are all about. With the running time of 144 minutes probably 100 minutes are just robots beating each other to death. New young-Hollywood star, 21 year-old, Shia LaBeouf whose impressive resume includes: Holes, Constantine, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, I, Robot and the recent Bobby, Disturbia and Surf’s Up gives a great performance, showing his leading-man presence, who is to be seen in next year’s Indiana Jones flick as his son. However the applause here goes to the animation team, seamlessly implanting the brawls between the Autobots and Decepticons during live-action sequences. Keeping your eyes glued to the screen, especially during the long yet entertaining last battle scene where all the Autobots and Decepticons fight, destroying most of downtown L.A. in the process and the finale between Optimus Prime and Megatron. The weak spot in the strong Transformers is the infamous director Michael Bay, responsible for such duds as The Island and Pearl Harbor. Though this is probably his best work, during the fight scenes the camera gets to shaky and close to the point you can’t tell who is who (probably to reduce the expensive CGI costs, the budget being $150 million), when you wish it was just a far shot. After the 144 minutes spent watching, Transformers, all that you can say is ‘Wow!’, with laughter and adrenaline-pumping action scenes that make you hold your breath until you’re red in the face, Transformers is a good movie in disguise.
Gregg

Took my son (9) to se it and both of us loved it. Though I have to say that was the worst acting I have ever seen Turturro do. He should win a rotten tomato for that performance. Liked the way that they explained some of the history, Optimus looked fantastic as did they all. Good mix of humor and action thruout the movie. A quick word when you write your reviews keep in mind also that there are some who will read these that have not seen the movie yet so try not to expain everything that they will end up seeing. Takes some of the fun out of the new experiance there about to enjoy
Pete Magnus

This is a must see movie for all, fans and nonfans alike. I will be seeing this movie 2 more times this week. Hands down the best movie of the summer, of the year even. It has it all, comedy, action, hot chicks, the ultimate battle of good vs. evil, and a solid story. I have been waiting for this movie since I was 6 years old and I am 26 now. But it was worth the wait. Time for Transformers 2
http://www.bringyourjacket.com antique bathtub

Yeah, what an amazing experience. I went in with very high expectations, but certainly wasn't disappointed. I would certainly suggest this to anyone.
Jaxon

I thought it was FANTASTIC. I had high hopes for the movie but apparently not high enough! I walked out of that theater with my jaw still in my lap. Its been a long time since a movie has made me really say out loud "Did I just see that?!" Even my fiance, who knows nothing of Transformers, loved it. She said it blew her mind. I have to see this again. If I met Michael Bay in person, I'd hug him and thank him for bringing this movie.
Seven

So I have been following this movie like an addict to drugs and was quite relieved when I got my fix. I couldn't have asked for a better person to bring to life my favorite characters than Micheal Bay. I got to see the flick Sat at a special screening and when people asked what I thought only two words came to me. It was mind numbing well after the second time around I got to take in the other little quirks about the movie and enjoyed it just as much.
Christina

I SAW THE MOVIE LAST NIGHT AT 8P.M AND IT WAS AWESOME!!!!! I KNEW ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT TRANSFORMERS BEFORE I SAW IT, AND AFTER I WAS HOPING FOR A SEQUEL. COMEDY, ROMANCE, AND ACTION ARE ALL PUT IN THIS MOVIE TASTEFULLY AND WELL DONE . IN MY OPINION, ITS TIED WITH PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN AS THE BEST MOVIE OF THE SUMMER. GO SEE IT!!!!!
Mark

This was the best movie of the year and summer in my opinion. Theres still a couple coming, but i think this one will stay way up there. the graphics were great in this one, the action was awesome, i still say that Michael Bay was born to make this movie. Optimus Pime was awesome too...go see this movie, i know i'll see it again eventually.
Lisa

I saw this with my two teenage boys. Since they were little when the first round was out we have been anxiously awaiting the movie. It was great. Not "deep" but a tremendous amount of fun. Lots of action, and I am sure car sales are going up - for a few brands. If movies could only be rated by whether or not you have fun watching them this would win. Yes there were a few unnecessary puns - seemed like time fillers or maybe just a chance to catch your breath again. No academy awards for acting but a good chance for special effects. Enjoy!
PG

I'm gonna go see it again! Nuff said.
muggle q8y

Loved it .
Tirrell

Seen it twice already and I did attend the midnight showing! This was probably the best movie I've ever seen to dat CGI wise. The CGI was amazing! The comedy was good, in fact very good. The intro, the middle, and the end. Though I have one complaint. When Ratchet and Bumble Bee are bombed Jazz is just sitting there and isn't even transformed! Is that an error or what was that!? But as I said that's my only complaint. I ready for the DVD on Blue Ray then the sequel. Hell, this time I may camp out to be first in line. Transformers a must see at least twice!
http://www.myinternetmarketingblueprints.com Mohd Nizam

What can I say? Probably the only movie where overgrown geeks cheered the moment the red and blue truck rolled out. Came out of the theater dazed and wanting. Michael Bay might have his critics but I doubt they would go for his throat after seeing THAT. If they still do, that's really below the belt. Truly enjoyed the movie. Gimme the DVD now!!!
Nac Dasty

Loudest and dumbest movie I have ever seen. John Turturro in loud undies is not funny. The parents were not funny. The action scenes were difficult to tell what was going on. I walked out hating mankind.
walker

AMAZING!!! Highly recommended for everyone who likes action, some humour, giant f***ing robots, and the hottest woman alive!!! I had very high expectations and wasnt dissapointed, not a bit. The arrival of the autobots gave me goose pumps, and Im not even a fan of the series, I saw it as a kid, but thats it. GO SEE IT...no, really...go now!
LUKE

I WAITED IN ANTICIPATION TO WATCH A MOVIE THAT WOULD ROCK THIS YEAR. I TOLD ALL MY FRIEND THIS WILL BE AS GRAND AS INDEPENDANCE DAY. I WAS WRONG AND VERY DISSAPPIONTED. FOR THOSE THAT ARE NOT FANS OF TRANFORMERS CARTOONS THEY MAY ENJOY IT BUT HONESTLY THEY DID NOT CAPTURE THE TRANFORMERS IN THE LIGHT OF WHICH IT WAS CREATED. OPTIMUS NORMALLY CHANGES FROM A FIRE TRUCK TO AUTOBOT MODE AND THEN TO FIGHT MODE WHERE HE CAN FLY. THERE WAS NO FUSION BETWEEN BOTS. THE STORY WAS RESTRICTED TO EARTH AND NOT THE MULTIVERSE THEATRE. FOCUSED TOO MUCH ON THE HUMANS. OPTIMUS WAS NO EQUALLY MATCHED WITH MEGATRON. THERE WAS NO SUPERNATURAL BOOST OF POWER AND SIBRE KEYS. MOVIE DID NOT BUILD UP THE CHARACTERS OF THE BOTS. MEGATRON WAS NOT THE ANTHONY HOPKINS TYPE CHARACTER. DEVIOUS. ACTION WAS TOOOO CLUTTERED. WHY WAS THE FIGHT IN THE CITY WHEN OPTIMUS USUALLY SETS UP ILLUSION SCREENS TO PREVENT HUMANS KNOWING ABOUT THEM. THIS MOVIE TRIED TO BE LIKE INDEPENDANCE DAY AND LOST THE PLOT. WHAT WAS THE MORAL OF THE STORY. IN THE CARTOON THERES MORAL VALUES LIKE DONT BE SELF CENTRED, TEAM WORK EVEN DON'T GIVE UP ON THE BRING OF A MIRACLE. THEY EVEN COULD HAVE DONE THAT WITH BUBBLE BEE.
Polo

Awesome. Didn't know Transformers before. Loved it. And Bumblebee rocks.
sandi

I saw it when it opened and thought it was a great summer flick. A guy I met yesterday- who did some of the special effects for this one- says they are already working on the second one and I will definitly be to that one opening weekend too.